Temple Beth Emeth of Mt. Sinai

Who Are We?

In 1986, a small group of forty families seeking a Reform congregation based on truth, caring, and community, founded Temple Beth Emeth; the "House of Truth" and is firmly rooted in the Jewish Reform tradition.

Our beginning was humble but the feeling of family continues. Temple Beth Emeth welcomes new members who wish to share in worship, religious education, and friendship. As one of our founding members, Vivian Feldstein, has said "much of our strength lies in the fact that we are still asking questions and listening to each other for answers."

Temple Beth Emeth is made up of more than 100 families from the north Central Suffolk area of Long Island. Temple Beth Emeth draws members with a variety of interests and experiences - including many without a Reform Jewish upbringing. A significant percentage of the congregation are part of interfaith marriages. Our rabbi and cantor work hard to make our services meaningful to congregants of all backgrounds, including interfaith families.

We are small enough to preserve the sense of warmth and intimacy that fills our sanctuary during Friday night services and large enough to support strong educational programs for both young people and adults. Our services, led by Rabbi Helayne Shalhevet, contain a blend of English and Hebrew. Newcomers and long- time congregants find Temple Beth Emeth's services to be warm, approachable, and egalitarian, with a combination of traditional prayer and modern-day interpretation to accommodate the diversity of our backgrounds. Singing, led by Cantor Lisa Ann Green and her guitar, is an essential part of our Shabbat services. And because children are so important to the congregation, worship and events are always designed with their needs in mind.